Mobile people from around the world face quite similar (or less) issues and challenges. But for Israeli mobility, another task is added to the list: the IDF. If you or you are called to the reserves from time to time, here’s what’s important to know in relocation planning:
Overseas departure procedures for reserves
Once you have a date on which you will leave the country for good, whether you have cut off residency or not, you must inform your reserve unit. Here’s how to check if your call for active reserve duty is expected while you’re still in israel. For if a call for service arrives while you are in Israel, you are obliged to report.
If you have received a reserve order for the period that overlaps your departure time, you may apply for shortening the service, rejection or discharge from the reserve service in general. You must prove that you purchased the flight ticket prior to the date of receipt of the reading order. If you have received a rejection of the request, you can submit an appeal to the commander of the unit in charge, with the rank of colonel or higher. His decision will be the final decision in this regard.
Return to Israel procedures for returning residents
Once you have disconnected residency and prepering moving to Israel (your status as a returning resident) after staying for two to five consecutive years abroad, you will not be called to active reserve duty for the first six months after your return. This is, of course, if you have presented the appropriate documents and approvals from the Ministry of Absorption or the Ministry of the Interior.
In the second six months of your return, you will be called to a maximum of 14 days of active reserve duty. If you submit a written request to your reserve unit, you can receive an exemption from active reserve duty for this period.
Important: The Reserve Division disapproves of the information provided above on the grounds that the head of the IDF Personnel Division may approve a call for active reserve duty even outside the instructions stated.
Did you get a call to the reserves while you were abroad?
You didn’t notify your reserve unit of the move? Have you notified and still received a reserve order, even though you are not staying in Israel? Here’s what’s important for you to know:
- If you are unable to report to the set date, you must contact the liaison officer or liaison office within seven days of receiving the order or from the date of your return to Israel.
- The reserve soldier has an obligation to physically report to his unit at the time of the start of the active reserve service, or within 21 days of his return (not including the day of return). This can be circumvented by coordinating another stabilization time through the liaison officer.
- If the reserve day falls on the day when there is an order not to enlist for active reserve duty, you will need to report the next day when recruitment is permitted.
Each reserve soldier may submit a request to cancel, postpone or shorten the reserve service by contacting the unit commander or through Form 58 (application form for release, abbreviation or rejection of active reserve service).
If your request is rejected, you can appeal to the commander of the unit in charge of the rank of Colonel or higher, and his decision will be the final decision.
This general summary should not be considered as an opinion and/or expressing an opinion regarding rules and procedures regarding reserve service. This summary is given in accordance with the rules listed on the IDF’s website as of December 14, 2016.
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Read more: Relocation and pensions
